September Unemployment Data

The Department of Labor released its September employment figures today.  The numbers were better than expected, but still not that strong.  There were 103,000 additional jobs during the month, with the unemployment rate staying at 9.1% (August was also revised up from no job growth to 57,000 more jobs).  Part of the uptick was the return of Verizon strikers, which helped push private sector employment up by 137,000 jobs; the public sector lost 35,000 jobs, most of which in education.  Temporary employment also improves, with 19,400 more jobs and average hours worked also rose a bit.

On a related note, check out this interestic graphic that shows a geographical development of unemployment during this recession.  Not for the faint of heart.

Hat Tip:  Michael Duff

-JH